Sometimes I find my mind wandering over various eclectic topics and occasionally I am inspired to write some of them down. Today I was thinking about the power of the consumer.
Not in the sense I believe I've previously spoken about of the ridiculousness of allowing retailers to tell us what we should want but more about the impact that every purchase can collectively have on the world of which so many of us are unaware and which I feel can be best summed up in this image:
And then with an observation on a popular children's cartoon.
Tom:
Come back here! I’m gonna get you! Any minute now I…
Jerry:
Woah, woah, hang on a minute.
Tom:
What?
Jerry:
Can I ask you something?
Tom:
Er.. sure I guess.
Jerry:
Why do we keep doing this?
Tom:
What?
Jerry:
This. Why do we keep running round and round the house together with you trying
to catch me.
Tom:
Well, I’m a cat and you’re a mouse. Cats chase mice.
Jerry:
What for?
Tom:
To eat them.
Jerry:
<pause> And that’s your only option, is it?
Tom:
What do you mean?
Jerry:
Well… have you ever heard of cat food?
Tom:
What?
Jerry:
Cat food. Look.
<cupboard
door opens>
Tom:
Well, how am I supposed to eat that? It’s in a tin.
Jerry:
That’s where this thing comes in handy.
Tom:
What is it?
Jerry:
A tin… opener! Watch
<tin
opener whirrs>
Jerry:
And now we just
<Cat
food slops into bowl>
Jerry:
Go on. Tuck in.
Tom:
<chewing> Mmm. You know, this isn’t half bad.
Jerry:
Told you.
Tom:
But what happens when it runs out?
Jerry:
That’s ok – there’s another can here. Whoops!
<thud
as the can lands on Tom’s foot>
Tom:
Ahhhhh!
Jerry:
Sorry, Tom. I didn’t mean to drop it on your foot.
Tom:
Why you little….! I oughta…! Just you wait…
Jerry:
Now Tom – let’s be reasonable about this. It was an accident. Tom? Tom! Uh-oh.
Here we go again!
(For those saying that Tom and Jerry never spoke - they have been known to on occasion. For example, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsZTxWuuUlU)
So once again my moving house has caused a delay in my uploading my latest creations but I'm gradually catching up. First, by focusing on the admittedly odd behaviour of the characters in a popular children's story.
RSPCA:
Excuse me, ma’am. I’m from the RSPCA. We’ve had reports of a big cat in the
area.
Mummy:
I see.
RSPCA:
Have you seen any big cats at all today, ma’am?
Mummy:
Well, yes I have, as a matter of fact. There’s one in my house right now.
RSPCA:
There’s is, ma’am?
Mummy:
Yes, a tiger.
RSPCA:
<pause> A tiger, ma’am?
Mummy:
Yes. But don’t worry – it’s all perfectly fine. He’s only here for tea.
RSPCA:
I beg your pardon, ma’am?
Mummy:
For tea. You know, tea, sandwiches, biscuits, cake.
RSPCA:
Do you mean to tell me, ma’am, that there is a tiger in your house right this
minute who is, as we speak, consuming
various articles of food and other comestibles you happen to have in your home?
Mummy:
Yes, that’s right.
RSPCA:
I see, ma’am. And just what do you think will happen when you run out of the
assorted tea, cake and biscuits.
Mummy:
Well, he’ll just go home, I expect.
RSPCA:
<pause> Are you feeling quite well, ma’am?
Mummy:
Perfectly, thank you. Although to be quite honest I am a bit miffed he had to
drink all the tea. I would quite have liked a cuppa myself.
RSPCA:
Would you, ma’am?
Mummy:
Yes.
Sophie:
Mum. Mum!
RSPCA:
Stand aside, ma’am – I’ll handle this. Alright – where is he? Where’s the
brute?
Sophie:
Over there. And he’s drunk all the water out of the taps. I won’t be able to
have a bath now.
Mummy:
He must have been very hungry. He’s already eaten everything in the cupboards.
RSPCA:
Look out! He’s on the move! Where’s he going?
Mummy:
It looks like he’s leaving.
Sophie:
Bye-bye, Mr Tiger. It was lovely to meet you.
Mummy:
Well, that was an experience. All over now though. Can I offer you a cup of
tea?
RSPCA:
Er…
Mummy:
Oh, no – sorry I can’t. The tiger drank it all.
Sophie:
What will do for supper, mummy?
Mummy:
Oh, I’m sure your daddy will think of something.
RSPCA:
Well, if that’s all, ma’am, I think I’ll be on my way now.
Mummy:
Ok. Well, it was lovely meeting you too. Have a nice day.
RSPCA:
You too, ma’am. The boys back at head office won’t believe this. Wait ‘til I
tell them all about it. Wait ‘til I tell them about the tiger who came to tea.
Sometimes I find my mind wandering over various eclectic topics and occasionally I am inspired to write some of them down. Today I was thinking about discrimination.
Is there a bigger coward than the prejudiced white male?
Seriously - what exactly is there to fear in those who are
different to ourselves? And why does someone being black, brown, oriental or,
alternatively, female, transsexual or non-binary have an impact on their
right to exist or be treated any different to others?
Aside from the ridiculousness of this concept, the ideology on which it is based is also inherently flawed.
To explain this, let’s take a look at two of the main types of discrimination:
1)
Racism
The frankly sickening belief that the colour of someone’s
skin determines their worth or their right to exist.
Supposedly, this is based on this misplaced belief that
people with darker skin are in some way inferior or present a threat. However,
given there have been so many cases of white people attacking black people because
of this, it is more obviously and painfully clear to see that white people are
in fact the ‘threat’ as the violence, aggression and depravity that is so
feared by the racists is more often enacted by them. If it wasn’t so unnecessary, awful and tragic
it could perhaps be viewed as ironic.
Examples:
-
Emmett Till
-
Frank Morris
-
Jesse Thornton
-
Willie James Howard
-
Louis Allen
-
Isaac Woodard
-
Yusef Hawkins
-
James Craig Anderson
-
Ocoee Massacre
-
The Scottsboro Boys
-
Tulsa Race Riots
-
Buffalo Shooting
(This is sadly just a handful of available examples and does
not include those killed by police officers or white supremacist groups.)
Not only that but given the commonly accepted theory of the origin of life that suggests that all humans (or homo sapiens) came from Africa it could safely be presumed that the original humans were, in fact, black. Consequently, it stands to reason that black people are, in fact, the predominant race on the planet and the efforts of prejudiced white men to oppress or worse obliterate black people categorically demonstrates their determination not only to assert an unfounded superiority but also shows their own cowardice.
2)
Sexism
The extremely outdated and inherently flawed belief (which
is extremely relevant at the moment) that a person’s gender determines their
intelligence or ability to contribute to society. Historically, this contribution
cannot be fairly judged as the existing predominance of men has led women to consistently
have their input to major achievements and developments obliterated and
obscured - either by being overruled or by having their male counterparts blatantly
steal from them.
Examples:
-
Margaret E. Knight
-
Rosalind Franklin
-
Marthe Gautier
-
Esther Lederberg
-
Jocelyn Bell Burnell
-
Lise Meitner
-
Ada Harris
-
Candace Pert
-
Frieda Robscheit-Robbins
-
Trota of Salerno
-
Mary Whiton Calkins
-
Colette
-
Margaret Keene
-
Elizabeth Magie
Again, as stated above, it could be said this prejudice is
also flawed.
Biologically speaking, all human embryos start out as female
– it isn’t until around 6 weeks into gestation that any present male hormones
kick in and affect in utero development (hence why men have nipples, an
enlarged genital bud – compared to the smaller one of the female - and a raphe
line). Ergo the female of the species could be said to be the predominant
gender on this planet but, yet again, the prejudiced white male seeks to
overrule, undermine and supersede what is presumably a perceived threat.
Ultimately, it becomes clear in both cases that the average white male could in fact be viewed as the inferior or rather the subordinate species on the planet. Sadly, the overall effect is that the bigger danger seems to come from this ‘subordinate’ species (aka the prejudiced white male) in their excessive efforts to overrule and dominate those who theoretically ‘came first’ and, in doing so, inadvertently create a reversed self-fulfilling prophecy by enacting on their victims the subjugation they themselves fear.
This is sad for a number of reasons – not only because of
the mindless violence and senseless loss of life that results but also just think
what could have been achieved so far in history if women hadn’t been
continually oppressed, belittled and blocked out. If they had been allowed a
voice, to put forward their ideas and suggestions and have them heard and valued, to share the role that the said
white male seems determined to steal or hog for themselves for no reason other
than their own misplaced belief in a non-existent superiority.
Just think what heights we might have reached if black
people had been treated equally and been allowed to basically exist unscathed.
What might the lives lost through the violence perpetrated by their oppressors
have contributed to our overall development?
And all it would take would be for the prejudiced aggressors to open their eyes to look at the reality not only of the world but the impact of their discrimination upon it. To consider a point of view other than their own and display some sign of the humanity they so proudly claim and the compassion which is supposed to be deeply rooted in human nature. To realise that other people on this planet have just as much right to respect and to exist and that collaboration and cooperation presents infinitely greater benefits and requires considerably less effort than persecution and oppression.
It is, after all, not impossible for the discriminatory to change their ways – just take a look at the work of Daryl Davis – and although the prejudiced white male may have the louder voice it is by no means the only one.
So while the immediate future may perhaps look bleak there
is always the possibility of progress.
Yes, Roe vs Wade has been overturned but there was a time
before it existed – and that changed.
There was a time before the Civil Rights Act existed – and that
changed.
So maybe this is time before true equality and justice exist. And maybe
that too can change.
Sort of continuing the 'don't talk about' theme of this month, I present my latest sketch - Sir Walter Raleigh on trial.
Judge:
Sir Walter Raleigh – you stand accused of bringing numerous dangerous
discoveries back from the New World. Thus endangering the lives of people
living here in England. How do you plead?
Raleigh:
Not guilty.
Judge:
Very well – have it your way. The first charge relates to that filthy ‘herb’
known as tobacco – which you introduced into England and…
Raleigh:
Actually, I didn’t.
Judge:
What?
Raleigh:
I didn’t introduce tobacco to England. That was John Hawkins.
Judge:
It was?
Raleigh:
Yup. Although John Nicot’s probably equally to blame. After all, where do you
think we get the word ‘nicotine’ from?
Judge:
Oh, alright. Well, on the next charge – destroying English cuisine. By
introducing the potato to our kitchens you have caused untold blight on the…
Raleigh:
Sorry – if I could just stop you there. I didn’t introduce the potato to
England.
Judge:
Hmph. Well, what about removing your cloak and placing it in a puddle of muddy
water. Thereby befouling the garment and…
Raleigh:
Nope. Didn’t do that either.
Judge:
Really?
Raleigh:
Yup.
Judge:
<sighs> Well, then what are you famous for?
Raleigh:
Er… well, I did sail to the New World. Tried to set up a colony on Roanoke
Island.
Judge:
That’d be the Lost Colony of Roanoke Island, would it?
Raleigh:
Er… yes. I tried several times to find El Dorado – the lost city of gold.
Judge:
Did you find it?
Raleigh:
No. No, it’s still lost. And then when the Queen died I supported her cousin
Arbella over King James.
Judge:
You lost that too.
Raleigh:
Yes. Although James forgave me… up until my last expedition where some of my
men attacked a Spanish outpost thereby contravening the Anglo-Spanish peace
treaty.
Judge:
Aha! Yes – you definitely did do that. And that’s treason. Guards - off with
his head!
Raleigh:
But that was my men – not me.
Judge:
Potato-potarto.
Raleigh:
Looks like that’s another thing I’ve lost.
The first time I heard (of) this song, this alternative lyric popped into my head and, of course, it had to be followed up.
(Apologies to Lin-Manuel Miranda)
We Don’t Talk About Bruno We Don’t Talk About Pluto not from Encanto
We don't talk about Pluto, no, no,
no!
We don't talk about Pluto... but
It was a wondrous day
It was a wondrous day
With my comparator, which I used to image the sky
I used it to image the sky
A year had passed ‘til I saw in that
glass
What’s that?
Something new that was moving on by
That meant I had to look again
Sure enough what did I see?
What did I see there?
That moving shape, oh, could it be?
Soon it started becoming clear
It’s a new discovery
Such a wondrous day... but anyway
We don't talk about Pluto, no, no,
no!
We don't talk about Pluto!
Oh! Seventy years later and then
everything it changes
Because that’s when they altered the criteria and ranges
And suddenly it’s future’s not looking so bold, no-no-no
‘Cause for a new status, it now exchanges
Could it be said of Pluto that it short changes
And now it seems that it has been left out in the cold
Get it? Pluto - cold
There’s no turning back
Kicked out of the system
‘Cause to IAU
Everyone listens
Suddenly it morphs
And becomes a dwarf
We don't talk about Pluto, no, no,
no! (We don't talk about Pluto, no, no, no!)
We don't talk about Pluto (we don't talk about Pluto!)
It must orbit round the sun
Yes, though it’s slow (Oh, oh!)
It must have some gravity
Yes, it’s got that so… (So, so!)
It must be the biggest one that’s around,
I think that is… oh! (No, no! Oh!)
Seems Pluto don’t make the cut so it’s no go!
Although the existence of another planet
fit with astrophysics
Although the long held presence meant it’s been added to pnemonics
It seems that Pluto’s had its day
Although the new classification means
no Planet X
To solve the conundrum
We must now search again
Really? Or could it be that it’s not there (Must we now search again?)
We will not search again
Um, Pluto...
But what about Pluto...
I just wanted to know about Pluto...
Gimme the truth, just the truth on Pluto
(Shall we do it all one more time)
All together!
There’s no turning back (it was a
wondrous day, it was a wondrous day)
Kicked out of the system (Had my comparator)
‘Cause to IAU (which I used to image the sky)
Everyone listens (I used it to image
the sky!)
Suddenly it morphs (A year had passed
‘til I saw in that glass)
And becomes a dwarf (What’s that?)
Something new that was moving on by
That meant I had to look again
Sure enough what did I see (There’s
no turning back, kicked out of the system)
What did I see there?
That moving shape, oh, could it be?
Soon it started becoming clear
It’s a new discovery
And so!
Don't talk about Pluto, no! (Why did
I talk about Pluto?)
Not a word about Pluto!
I never should've brought up Pluto!
Sometimes I find my mind wandering over various eclectic topics and occasionally I am inspired to write some of them down. Today I was thinking about homewreckers. Or, more specifically, a currently ongoing case. So apparently the Depp-Heard trial has gone to jury deliberation.
You wouldn’t think it’d take them that long considering it basically boils down to this:
Not to mention the number of
times that Heard has been PROVEN to be a liar.
Hmm, tricky 🤔
A new historical parody song utilising a sting classic and a lesser known Tudor noblewoman.
Close To Me Katherine Willoughby not by The Police
Young woman, the daughter
Of Spain’s nobility
Mother close to the queen
Was named for her, you see
Father died when
seven
This girl's his only heir
Wardship bought by Charles Brandon
Is romance in the air?
She’s Kath, she’s
Katherine
She’s Katherine Willoughby
She’s Kath, she’s Katherine
She’s Katherine Willoughby
Though betrothed to
his son
This idea faded fast
When widowed he wed Kath
Yet this strange match would last
They were wed til his
death
After things got complex
‘Cause she caught the King’s eye
Could it be she’d be next?
She’s Kath, she’s
Katherine
She’s Katherine Willoughby
She’s Kath, she’s Katherine
She’s Katherine Willoughby
Outlived both king and
wife
Her friend, Catherine Parr
Made ward of her daughter
Sadly the girl won’t go far
Her ward and sons
they died
She rewed to Bertie
Sent aboard for a bit
Came back when Liz was queen
She’s Kath, she’s
Katherine
She’s Katherine Willoughby
She’s Kath, she’s Katherine
She’s Katherine Willoughby
She’s Kath, she’s
Katherine
She’s Katherine Willoughby
She’s Kath, she’s Katherine
She’s Katherine Willoughby
She’s Kath, she’s
Katherine
She’s Katherine Willoughby
She’s Kath, she’s Katherine
She’s Katherine Willoughby
She’s Kath, she’s
Katherine
She’s Katherine Willoughby
She’s Kath, she’s Katherine
She’s Katherine Willoughby
Making a return to my historical parody songs with a mix of Rolling Stones and a Plantagenet prince.
Paint It Black Prince Of Black not by The Rolling Stones
You see my armour
And you note it’s coloured black
Not gold, silver or white
It’s all coloured in black
I am the Prince of
Wales
I’m the heir to the throne
Eldest son of the king
But my fate is my own
I see a mounted knight
Who’s waiting to attack
When I charge towards them
No courage I don’t lack
I will see them turn
their heads
When my lance hits its mark
I am the last they see
Before everything goes dark
But I’m more than
this and
I’ll earn my infamy
Become a great knight
And achieve my destiny
I lead a noble army
You do not want to mess with
When it comes to victory
For us it’s take not give
I’ve done so many
things
And earned my great acclaim
Edward The Black Prince - yes you’ll
Remember my name
Yet despite all of
this
I’m like the setting sun
My health deserts me
And soon my day is done
You see my armour
And you note it’s coloured black
Not gold, silver or white
It’s all coloured in black
See my coffin pass by
My armour it is on top
Soon now my son will rule
He’ll inherit the lot
I was the only
prince of
Prince of black
Black as night
Black as coal
I was my father’s son
Cut down in my prime
I was the only prince of, prince of, prince of
Prince of black, yeah
And now what would have been
April's Mind of Merc post
Sometimes I find my
mind wandering over various eclectic topics and occasionally I am inspired to
write some of them down. Today I was thinking about homewreckers. Or, more specifically, a homewrecker. Much as I hate
talking about the manipulative, abusive being that is Amber Heard there is a
distinct pattern of destruction to her relationships.
1) Elon Musk
m. Talulah Riley 2010-2012 & 2013-2016
meets Amber Heard 2012
dated Amber Heard 2017 (pursued since 2012)
2) Johnny Depp
partner Vanessa Paradis 1998-2012
meets Amber Heard 2011
dated Amber Heard 2012-2017 (m. 2015)
3) Jason Momoa
partner Lisa Bonet 2005-2022 (m. 2017)
meets Amber Heard 2017
I really hope I’m wrong about the last one. I would hate for anyone else to fall victim to that deceitful, cheating, poisonous creature.
